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May 2014

Holiday Choices in Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 22, 2014

What makes the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire the ideal spot for a holiday? Well, to begin with, Pembrokeshire is the home to the only UK coastal national park, and it has also won plenty of awards for its clean beaches, clear water and the overall cleanliness of its coastline. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the holiday options in Pembrokeshire.

Why Choose Pembrokeshire?

Pembrokeshire is the perfect setting for those people who like to watch wildlife, climb rocks, walking, beachcombing or swimming. The quaint and small towns and villages are the perfect setting for families to explore the local area, and there are no shortage of places to stay, from caravan parks to hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Hotels, Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

The sheer numbers of hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments make it easy to find the right accommodation to suit your needs. Plus, food is often made using the finest locally sourced ingredients, all fresh and mouth wateringly tasty.

Self Catering Accommodation / Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire

A lot of people would rather have the flexibility and the privacy that comes with renting their own personal self catering cottage of caravan, and Pembrokeshire is not short of this type of accommodation either. With plenty of places offering sea views, or campsites that have all of the most up-to-date facilities, you will not be disappointed by the sheer amount of accommodation choices you will find.

Hostels

For those people who are constantly on the move from one location to the other, or who are in a group, Pembrokeshire also offers a number of hostels and bunk houses, which are economical and friendly, and they are the perfect base from which to explore the stunning surrounding countryside.

Farm Stays

Children love visiting farms, but why not take it one step further by staying at a farm for the entirety of your vacation. Not many vacation locations give you the chance to feed pigs, interact with animals and collect your own eggs for breakfast!

Holiday Villages

Pembrokeshire is also home to a number of holiday villages, for those people who want everything from their accommodation to their entertainment and places to eat, all within easy reach.

Fishing in Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 22, 2014

There are many ways in which you can pass the time in Pembrokeshire, and the one thing that draws people to the area from all corners of the world, is the quality and the diversity of the local fishing spots. Pembrokeshire is home to some of the best fishing spots in the United Kingdom, no matter if it is coarse fishing, still water fishing, game fishing or sea fishing, you will find it here.

Bass Fishing

One of the most famous types of fishing in the Pembrokeshire area is Bass fishing, due to the fact that the area has a superfluity of easily accessible beaches, many of which stretch for miles and miles, and it they provide some excellent fishing spots.

Other Types of Fishing

Other fishing locations can be found in the many coves that provide a safe haven for fishes and fishermen alike from stormy conditions. The ruggedness of the Pembrokeshire coastline also provides fishing enthusiasts with excellent opportunities for sea fishing. Some of the most popular fish to be found in the area include Pollack, Bass, Conger, Bream and Mackerel. Rays and sharks can also be found in the area.

Fishing Boat Trips

Fishing excursions are a great way to land a prize catch, and areas such as St David’s, Dale, Saundersfoot and Tenby are the best locations to find fishing boat trips. The sea around the Pembrokeshire coastline is often teeming with great varieties of fish, especially Mackerel. A fishing boat trip is also a great way to spot some of the local marine and birdlife too, with dolphins, whales and a wide variety of sea birds in the area.

Coarse and Stillwater Fishing

Coarse and Stillwater fishing is also popular across the county, and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, with Tench, Carp and Pike readily available to catch. If you do not have your own fishing tackle, there are plenty of places around that can hire out all of the equipment and bait that you need.

Game Fishing

The areas of Pembrokeshire that is good for game fishing are the Eastern and Western Cleddau rivers, and Teifi. It is usually the local landowners or one of the many local fishing clubs who hold the rights to fish in these areas, and many fishing clubs have day permits that are ideal for day visitors. Tuition will also be available for those people who have never fished this way before, or for those who wish to hone their skills.

Coastal Walks in Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 22, 2014

It runs for 186 miles, takes in 58 separate beaches and 14 harbors, and it is one of the most picturesque settings to be found in the British Isles, it is the Pembrokeshire coastal path. It is also the only coastal national park in the United Kindom.

The ancient name for Pembrokeshire was “Land of Mystery and Enchantment”, and it is certainly still a magical place to spend your leisure time, with National Geographic magazine voting it up to second in a list of best coastal destinations in 2012.

Take in the views, feel the history

The path is not just a walk through some of the most picturesque and breathtaking scenery, but it is also a walk through history too. If you were to walk its entire length, you would encounter majestic castles, Neolithic tombs, fishing villages and quaint little towns.

Walks for all ages and abilities

The great thing about walking the Pembrokeshire coast is that there is a choice of more than 200 walks, ranging from short walks of a mile, to lengthier walks that can take a day or more to complete.

Here are some of the best coastal walks to get you started:

Cemaes Head – Distance: 5 miles

Perfect for a springtime stroll, the walk along Cemaes Head will give you access to some of the most picturesque scenery, as well as giving you the opportunity to see some of the local birdlife. Cormorants, Fulmars and Guillemots nest on the 550 foot high cliffs, and if you are fortunate enough to visit in mid-summer, there is a good chance that you will witness seals and dolphins.

Porthgain to St. David’s – Distance: 13 miles

This is a longer walk, ideal for serious hikers. Starting at the harbor at Porthgain, this route will take you up along high cliffs, which will provide you with stunning views across rocky shorelines. It will then give you the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins at Abereiddy beach, before heading off to Whitesands beach via the mysterious St. David’s Head.

Deer Park to Dale – Distance: 10 miles

This is a circular walk which begins near Marloes, and is a great way to spend a day. The route will take you past rocky and wave lashed headlands, an Iron Age hillfort, as well as providing you with views of Skomer Island, and great place to spot numerous varieties of seabirds.

Best Castles in Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 22, 2014

The great thing about the county of Pembrokeshire is that it is full of history, and is home to some of the most important Neolithic and Iron Age finds anywhere in the world. It also played a significant part in the defense of the United Kingdom, and this is shown by the sheer numbers of castles to be found within the county.

Pembroke Castle

Pembroke castle is one of the finest of its kind anywhere in the British Isles, and stands as a testament to the wealth of the medieval rulers of Pembroke. It was the Romans who first occupied the site, however, it was not until the Norman invasion in the 11th century that the castle was built.

Carew Castle

This is a ruin of a castle that stands on the river Carew, close to the town of Pembroke. The castle was originally constructed in and around 1100AD, and was actually built on the site of an ancient Iron Age fort. It is in a strange position as it, and the Iron Age fort before it, were constructed in a low-lying riverside position, rather than the more defensive hilltop position, which was much more common at the time.

Llawhaden Castle

Originally, this castle was the centerpiece of the estates of the bishop of St David’s, and had more than one purpose. It was not only a military fortress, but it also acted as the administrative hub of the bishops, as well as their main residence. It was sacked by the Welsh in 1192, and then rebuilt in stone during the 1200s, before further reconstruction works were carried out in 1300s.

Tenby Castle

The ruins of Tenby Castle are very well preserved, and walls, a tower and a gate all survive from the 13th century. The ancient defensive walls of the town have also been preserved extremely well, and are of great historical interest. The original castle built on this site was constructed by an unnamed Norman lord prior to 1156, when it fell in to the hands of Lord Rhys.

Other Castles in the area

These are some of the best castles to visit in Pembrokeshire, but there are also plenty of others in the area, and these include Newport castle, Wiston castle and Picton castle. As you can see, with such a rich and diverse heritage in this part of Wales, there is certainly no shortage of historical castles to visit.

Holiday Activities in Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 22, 2014

The county of Pembrokeshire in Wales is home to the only coastal national park in Great Britain, and it contains more Blue Flag beaches (beaches that have been assessed for their cleanliness) than any other county. Its coastal setting makes Pembrokeshire the ideal holiday destination, as there is no shortage of things to do, and in this article, we will take a closer look at some of the activities you can find in the area.

Fishing

Due to the amount of coastline and natural harbors, Pembrokeshire is an ideal location for those who love to go fishing. There are plenty of places to go sea or freshwater fishing, and there is also the opportunity to charter a fishing boat, giving you the chance to land a wide variety of fish including mullet, bream and mackerel.

Walking the Preseli Hills

When walking the Preseli Hills on clear days, you can see as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. It is said that stone from Preseli Hills was the stone used in the construction of Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Man has lived on these hills for centuries, and it is a great area to explore if you have an interest in Neolithic and Iron Age settlements.

Cycling Along the Celtic Trail

Pembrokeshire is ideal for cycling enthusiasts, and is home to Route 4 of the National Cycle Route, which hugs the coastline from its starting point at Fishguard, making it ideal for taking in the coastal scenery. However, it can be a challenging route, with plenty of steep hills to climb, although it is worth the sweat and toil for the views.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

One of the great things about the Pembrokeshire coast is the amount of harbors, and these are a great attraction for harbor porpoises, which can be easily seen from many locations along the coast. There is also the opportunity to go on boat trips to deeper waters where there is the chance of seeing bottlenose dolphins, and it is also possible to spot Minke whales and fin whales too.

Ramsey Island RSPB reserve

A birdwatchers paradise, Ramsey Island is an offshore island close to St David’s that is a natural home for a whole host of birds. Its 120 meter high cliffs are home to all kinds of birds, and you can expect to see Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Ravens and Peregrine falcons, amongst others.

Family Holiday Cottage Fun in Pembrokeshire, Wales

Posted onMay 18, 2014

It is certainly no secret anymore that “Cottage Holiday’s” are extremely popular. It is certainly also no secret that Wales and particularly Pembrokeshire, is a must visit destination. So, if you are looking for the perfect luxury family cottage holiday then Clydey has everything and more that you could want.

Why you should visit Pembrokeshire: It is a beautiful and unique county surrounded by some of the finest coastline in Europe. A favoured location of artists, pilgrims and outdoor pursuits enthusiasts. Pembrokeshire offers an incredible array of activity and interest. It has everything for both the young and old and for families the county offers endless ideas and fun for children.

Why you should visit Clydey: If you looking for the perfect family cottage holiday then Clydey offers a fantastic array of facilities to cover just about everything. Just look at some of the reviews that have been posted:

“Having stayed here 8 times now, it’s fair to say that we are massive fans of Clydey!Although we’ve been before, each time we go we notice improvements. Along with the indoor & outdoor hot tubs & wonderful heated pool the new on site spa is a very welcome addition. What a treat to be able to have a massage or beauty treatment (especially whilst the little ones are happy being looked after in the kids club!) if you can bear to leave the site there are wonderful local beaches nearby, we love Llangranog, where we walked along the coastal path, Tresaith & Mwnt but there are loads of others. We usually visit Folly Farm which is a lovely 40ish minutes drive & is great even if it’s raining as they have the vintage indoor fun fair. There is the option back at the cottage to choose one of the freezer meals from ‘cook’ or eat out at one of the local pubs. Our little boy loves the daily animal feeding with Farmer Malcolm & the highlight for him this stay was being able to bottle feed a lamb! Jacqui, Dewi & ALL the team work so hard to make Clydey so special & make us want to keep returning. We could not imagine ever going anywhere else. West Wales really is such a beautiful part of the world it’s addictive! Can’t wait to return later this year x”

“This was our 6th stay in 3 years, we are huge fans! Stayed in Lavender cottage for half term week with our 6 year old & had a wonderful time. Gorgeous cosy cottage, immaculately clean & everything very well thought out to enable you to just relax & enjoy. Clydey is a collection of 10 cottages with 5 star facilities such as leisure building with heated indoor pool & hot-tub, games room, on site Spa & fantastic soft-play room. There is daily animal feeding with the legend himself ‘Farmer Malcolm’ and also, my favorite, the outdoor hot-tub with glorious views. I can’t recommend Clydey enough to anyone who is looking for a peaceful, relaxing but fun-filled escape from the stresses of modern life. The owners, Jacqui & Dewi, themselves have a young family & really have thought of everything & also have a wonderful team of staff who go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay. The fact that we have been 6 times & are booking up for stay number 7 says it all! I can never leave here unless I know I am coming back
Thank you Clydey!”

“This was our second stay in 7 months, we absolutely love it here. There is plenty to do in the local area with folly farm not far away. Due to heavy snow however this time we did not leave the complex for 6 days which was great! Everything you need is on-site with so much to keep the kids & adults entertained, soft-play, games room, gym & pool just a few to mention. The highlight for our 3 year old was the daily animal feeding (he even had a ride in the wheelbarrow!) all the staff are so lovely & great with the kids. The whole place is an absolute haven from the hectic modern day life, my favourite place of all has to be the outdoor hot tub which is Amazing!! The cottages are all beautiful & tastefully furnished & the entire place is immaculate. Special thanks to the owners Jacqui & Dewi who went above & beyond with there kindness & hospitality, Dewi even towed us up the lane in the snow! We can’t wait to return to this hidden gem”

These are just a few of the hundreds of happy customers that have visited Clydey over the years and everyone just keeps coming back! Clydey is truly a wonderful and special place that always creates amazing memories. Call us today and come experience the wonder of Clydey!

Top 10 Family Days Out In Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 18, 2014

Folly Farm: Folly Farm started life as a dairy farm. After noticing families stopping by the roadside to pet and watch their cattle, the Folly Farm founders decided to diversify into tourism. In 1988, Folly Farm was born. The former dairy farm was converted to receive visitors; now guests could stop to visit the Folly Farm cows and see them being milked. Over the last 25 years Folly Farm has grown with continued reinvestment. From exotic creatures to vintage funfair rides and adventure playgrounds, Folly Farm has something for everyone.

Oakwood Theme Park: Full of fun and exciting rides for all the family. People come from all over the UK to this corner of Pembrokeshire as the rides at Oakwood are all amazing.

Coastal Path: Pembrokeshire has the only coastal National Park in the UK. Deservedly rated among the best long-distance walking trails in the world, this path traces 186 miles of spectacular coastal landscape, dipping and climbing past sandy beaches, seabird rocks and cliff tops jewelled with wildflowers.

St. David’s Cathedral: With a population of less than 2,000 people, St Davids is more than a quaint record-holder as Britain’s smallest city. The magnificent cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage since the 12th century and there are several other attractions of artistic and culinary kinds.

Tenby: A Victorian seaside town with picture-postcard qualities, the rise of Tenby came with ringing medical endorsements for its health-giving properties. It remains a major attraction for young and old. The monastery on Caldey Island, just a short boat ride from Tenby, is also well worth a visit.

Carew Castle: There’s a unique feel to Carew Castle. Its unusual setting has something to do with it, overlooking a millpond measuring over 23 acres. Its subsequent gentrification as a rather splendid Elizabethan country house demonstrates the rich and colourful heritage of the castle, which has recently undergone major renovation.

Stackpole Nature Reserve: A beautiful stretch of coastline offering varied attractions including stunning beaches like Barafundle Bay, contrasting with the picturesque Bosherston Lakes near Stackpole Court. There are plenty of activities including kayaking and coasteering, as well as plenty of delicious local produce to sample in the Boathouse at Stackpole Quay.

Manor House Wildlife Park: Anna Ryder Richardson’s Wild Welsh Zoo as featured on ITV Wales. Animals include lemurs, gibbons, zebras and marmosets all roaming with lots of space. You can feed the wallabies in their vast area and mingle with a lot of the animals.

Skomer: Early to mid-July is the best time to see the puffins of Skomer, which breed on this two-mile-long island in their thousands before leaving for the North Atlantic in August.

Coasteering: Accompanied adventurers as young as eight can don wetsuits, helmets and old trainers to climb, swim and splash their way around rocks, sea caves and lagoons.

5 Star Family Holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire

Posted onMay 18, 2014

When it comes to 5 star holiday cottage accommodation in Pembrokeshire look no further than Clydey Cottages. Nestling among some of the most beautiful and scenic countryside found anywhere in the UK, Clydey offers just about everything you could want from a luxury cottage holiday.

Catering for both families and couples alike Clydey has developed into the No1 award winning cottage holiday resort in Wales. Clydey boasts an incredible indoor pool area that is constantly heated at 30c along with a beautiful hot tub and sauna area. All the needs for families are fully catered for. If you are missing something all you have to do is ask!

One of the great attractions of Clydey are the animals. Clydey has truly developed into a interactive resort that allows the children to fully enjoy the farm animals that Clydey has. Each day there is a specified feeding time and the children can participate as little or as much as they like.

The main emphasis at Clydey is on families. The resort covers every aspect to make sure that the holiday is great for the children but also for Mum and Dad. The owners have children of their own and have worked incredibly hard to make sure that everything ranging from nappies to Sony Play Stations are catered for. Clydey really does cover all the ‘angles”.

It is important to note that Clydey is incredibly well situated. You really have the best of all worlds. Peace and tranquilty along with easy access to amazing beaches at Cardigan Bay or Tenby to name just two. Add such attractions as Folly Farm and Oakwood theme park and you have the perfect all round family holiday.